PAK vs SL | I want to be an all-rounder for the team, states Shadab Khan
Leg-spinner Shadab Khan has stated that a goal of his heading into ODIs against Sri Lanka is to assert his authority with the bat, aiming to become an all-rounder in the team. The 20-year-old leggie, who averages almost 26 with the bat, has three fifties to his name in one-day cricket.
Leg-spinner Shadab Khan has stated that a goal of his heading into ODIs against Sri Lanka is to assert his authority with the bat, aiming to become an all-rounder in the team. The 20-year-old leggie, who averages almost 26 with the bat, has three fifties to his name in one-day cricket.
Bowling all-rounders in the Pakistan team over the course of the last few years have been few and far between but now 20-year-old Shadab Khan is ready to set things straight as the young leggie hopes to take his batting to a whole new level in the forthcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka.
With three fifties already to his name in ODI cricket, Shadab has proved that he is no mug with the bat, but now the 20-year-old is keen on asserting his authority with the bat and is willing to bat at any position for the betterment of his team.
"I have been working hard on my batting as I want to be an all-rounder for the team," Shadab was quoted as saying by ICC’s official website.
“I am looking forward to doing that in the next two matches here [in Karachi]. I am ready to bat at any position, at any number where my team wants me to bat," he added.
While admitting that he did not exactly look up to any particular all-rounder, Shadab did hint that he was looking to draw inspiration from Steve Smith who famously started his career off as a leg-spinner before transforming into a pure batsman. The 20-year-old also said that his sole focus was to perform to the best of his abilities whenever he got an opportunity with the bat.
"I haven't really followed any particular all-rounder. I do follow Steve Smith from the beginning, who has now become a proper batsman," Shadab said.
"I just want to try giving my best as a batsman, and whenever I get an opportunity, I want to showcase my batting skills and prove that I can bat well and play as an all-rounder," he added.
Shadab, who has taken 56 wickets at an economy just under five in his ODI career, has revealed that he now has more of an attacking role with the ball while admitting that he hasn’t been at his best since the turn of the year. He also said that he was looking forward to the contest with the Lankans, having played against many players in the junior level and with the ‘A’ sides.
"I know that I haven’t done too good recently. But my role is of an attacking spinner and cricket has changed recently, so I would be happy even if I go with figures of 3/50 in an ODI," he said.
"They (Sri Lanka) have something to prove and they’ll give their best. I know a few of them from my U19 playing days and the A team’s tour and I am aware of their strengths. It will be a good series with them," he signed off.